Yes, basketball players can run the baseline while inbounding the ball any time after the opposing team scores. Running the baseline can be a valuable strategy but there are so many important things to consider that I will discuss in this article.

When I first started coaching travel basketball I noticed other teams running along the baseline. I immediately wondered what the rules were that allowed them to use this strategy. After years of watching, researching and talking to referees I feel comfortable with this strategy now and want to take a few minutes to explain it. So if you are wondering if a basketball player can run the baseline then please keep reading.

What is the Baseline?

If you are reading this article you probably already know what the baseline is but just in case I am going to briefly explain it. First, I want to make sure you are aware that the baseline and endline are the same term. In my opinion, people refer to it most commonly as the baseline.

The baseline is a straight line that separates the court’s boundary and it is just underneath the basket. There are only two baselines on a basketball court and they are connected to the sidelines. One of the baselines is under the home team’s basket and the other is under the opposing team’s basket. This is the area players will inbound the basketball after the other team scores.

Major Consideration About Running The Baseline:

There is one thing to remember when considering if a player can run the baseline while inbounding the ball:

A basketball player can run the baseline, while inbounding the basketball, after the opposing team scores. It does not matter how they scored. I like to think of it this way. If I am coaching a basketball game and the opposing team just scored on us, my team now has the privilege of “running the baseline” during the inbound.

Scenarios:

I have run into a bunch of scenarios during my years of coaching and I wanted to provide a few that might be helpful to you.

      • Scenario 1- Team red scores and then quickly calls a time out to set up a full court press. Can the Team blue “inbounding team” run the baseline? Yes, the inbounding team can run the baseline. Why? Because the other team scored and that gives the inbounding team the privilege of running the baseline. Regardless of the timeout.

      • Scenario 2- Team blue sets up to inbound the ball. They are under heavy defensive pressure and call a quick time out to avoid a five second call.  Does Team Blue forfeit their privilege to run the baseline? Absolutely not. They continue to have the option to run the baseline. 

      • Scenario 3- Team Blue is inbounding the ball and a defensive foul is called on a Team Red player. Now we have a dead ball situation and the clock stops. Can Team Blue still run the baseline while inbounding? Yes, they can absolutely continue to run the baseline in this situation. 
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    The Number One Reason To Run The Baseline:

    So now that you know that the inbounding team can run the baseline any time after the opposing team scores and we have talked about a few situations, let’s talk about why running the baseline is important.

    Inbounding the ball during a full court press is the number one reason I see teams run the baseline. Running the baseline can truly benefit the offensive team especially if they are faced with an aggressive full court high pressure defense. This allows the inbounder to quickly relocate to a new position which can disrupt the defense.

    Quick Facts:

    1. If a team scores a point the other team is always rewarded with the opportunity to run the baseline until the inbound action is complete. 

    2. A timeout does not take away the privilege of running the baseline.

    3. If the opposing team scores and then fouls during the inbound, the inbounding team can continue to run the baseline.

    4. A delay of game violation on the opposing team during the inbound does NOT take away the privilege for the team to run the baseline.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Q: Can you run baseline after free throw? Yes, you can run the baseline after the other team scores a point during a made free throw. 

    Q: Can you pass the ball along the baseline? Yes, you can pass the ball along the baseline after the other team scores.